Korea, Democratic People's Republic (DPRK)

The last FAO/WFP Crop and Food Security Assessment (CFSAM) mission found that the food security situation remains similar to previous years, with most households having borderline and poor food consumption. Food consumption at the household level remains limited in quantity and quality (data indicates that only 16% of households in the DRPK have acceptable food consumption). In particular, consumption of proteins (animal and soya) is infrequent and inadequate. The nutrition situation has improved in recent years; however, rates of stunting remain high and micronutrient deficiencies are of particular concern.

The CFSAM observed immense logistical challenges for the public distribution system and therefore expressed concerns about the timeliness and consistency of food distribution. Markets and informal mechanisms of bartering and other forms of exchange are believed to be of increasing importance for household access to food, particularly in urban areas.